CT Follows CDC's New Mask-Wearing Guidance

CONNECTICUT — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this week updated its guidance regarding who needs to wear a mask where, and Gov. Ned Lamont announced the state will embrace the new recommendations.

The CDC advised people who are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus can go maskless outdoors unless they're in a big crowd with strangers. The guidance also says people, regardless of whether they're fully vaccinated, don't have to wear masks outdoors when they walk, bike or run alone or with members of their household. The agency is advising that everyone should keep wearing masks at crowded outdoor events such as concerts or sporting events.

The CDC added it's OK for people to go maskless in small outdoor gatherings with fully vaccinated people.

“Connecticut stands that if you are outside, you’ve been vaccinated, just like Joe Biden said, you don’t need to wear the mask," Lamont said Tuesday. "If you are in a crowded area where you’re not quite sure who you are standing next to wear the mask a little bit longer."

Around two-thirds of adults in Connecticut have received at least one coronavirus vaccine dose, and nearly 3 million doses have been administered as of Monday.

The CDC still recommends masks for unvaccinated people who have yet to receive both doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or the one-shot Johnson & Johnson formula.

Inside is a different story. People, vaccinated and unvaccinated alike, under the guidance still need to wear masks in indoor public places, such as hair salons, restaurants, shopping centers, museums and movie theaters.